Sharʿi Conditions for Supplying a Known Item Within a Fixed Period

Author: Dr. Muhammad Ziya-ur-Rahman Azmi رحمه الله
◈ Responsibility to Supply a Specific Item Within a Defined Period (Bayʿ al-Salam) ◈


This type of transaction falls under the category of Bayʿ al-Salam.


If the item is known, the delivery time is fixed, and the price is paid in advance, then there is no harm in the transaction.
This conforms to the principles of a permissible forward sale in Islam.

❖ Permissible Scenario:​

✔ If someone says:


“I sell to you, under my responsibility, 100 ṣāʿ or 100 kilograms of such-and-such item (e.g., grain), to be delivered at a specific time,”
This is valid in Sharīʿah, provided the contract includes:

• Clearly defined quantity,
• Specific description of the item,
• Advance payment in full, and
• Fixed delivery date.

❖ Prohibited Scenarios:​

If someone says:


“I sell to you the unborn offspring of this she-camel, or what will be in her womb next year,”
This is not permissible, because the item is:

• Uncertain,
• Unknown in form or existence,
• And not currently in possession.

Similarly, if one says:


“I sell you the fruit of this date palm (before it becomes clearly defined or ripe),”
This is also not valid under Islamic law, due to gharar (excessive uncertainty).


Ibn Bāz – Majmūʿ al-Fatāwā wa al-Maqālāt 10/277